Classes

Please note that if you are, or have been, injured, ill or pregnant you must be signed off or have been given the ‘all clear’ by your GP, consultant or physiotherapist before starting regular Pilates classes. A letter to confirm this may be required.

Matwork

This is where it all begins and where the basic principles of Pilates are best learnt.

There are hundreds of exercises of varying levels of difficulty where the body provides its own resistance, working against gravity to gain strength and flexibility. These exercises are performed lying or sitting on the mat, relieving your joints of any pressure, and can be practised in conjunction with ‘props’, such as flexy bands, toning balls, fitness circles and blocks, to challenge and/or assist the body.

With the instruction of your trainer, these aids are used to create different modifications of the individual exercises to suit each person’s needs in the class. Classes are limited to no more than 10 people so that the teacher can ensure everyone is working safely and correctly. If you are new to Pilates you will need to start with our 4 week beginner course or arrange a private lesson to learn the basics. To book one of our beginner courses please log in to our online booking and payment system. If you are a new client and have learnt Pilates at another studio please give us a call so we can be sure you meet the prerequisite required to join Essential/Intermediate or Advanced level classes. Please see our description of the class levels and our timetable.

Reformer

This large interesting piece of equipment is often described upon first glance as a ‘torture bed’! It is anything but, of course! This resistance machine was invented by Joseph Pilates in the 1920’s after he was inspired by the use of hospital bed springs to rehabilitate soldiers during the First World War.

Today the STOTT Pilates™ Reformer remains a bed-like frame but with a flat platform, called the carriage, which rolls back and forth on wheels. The carriage is attached to one end by a set of springs which provide differing levels of resistance as the carriage is pushed or pulled along the frame with your feet against the footbar.

The reformer also has ropes with handles that can be pulled by your legs or arms to move the carriage. Hundreds of exercises can be performed on the reformer which is basically similar to a whole set of resistance machines you’ll find at the gym, but in one sleek piece of equipment.

One of the best things about the reformer is its versatility as exercises can be done lying down, sitting, kneeling, standing, and even upside down, while targeting every muscle in the body separately . With the new Cardio-Tramp addition you can even jump, like on a trampoline, while lying on your back, adding some cardio-vascular and plyometric exercise to your routine.

Reformer Pilates has the ability to challenge the most athletic and fit while providing a sophisticated yet appropriate set of exercises to anyone in need of rehabilitation after surgery, illness or injury. Some people prefer Reformer Pilates to Matwork because of how easily your mind and body connects to the exercises with the use of the resistant ropes and springs. Classes are limited to no more than 5 people (on 5 machines) so that the teacher can ensure everyone is working safely and correctly.

If you have never taken a Reformer Pilates class before you must first have a private introductory lesson before joining a group class. To request an appointment for your Private Intro Lesson please log in to our online booking and payment system or give us a call. If you are a new client and have practised Reformer Pilates at another studio please give us a call so we can be sure you meet the prerequisite required to join group classes.

Barre Plus

This highly energetic and dynamic class integrates elements of Pilates, the techniques of Ballet, cardio and strength training, and is suitable for those with dance, fitness or intermediate level Pilates experience.

Unlike regular Pilates the exercises are practiced to music with a strong beat and are performed at the barre and on the mat while further challenging the body with weights, resistance bands, stability balls, barrels and boxes.

The choreographed sequence of exercises have a continuous flow to keep the heart rate up and target all major muscle groups while burning calories. Barre Plus will challenge your strength and flexibility while testing your coordination, core strength and balance. Be ready to get sweaty in this class!

Pre-/Teens Combo (Ages 11-15, term time only)

Perhaps you are/your teenage child is a keen athlete or dancer or spends many hours at the computer and needs some assistance with posture, fitness levels, or stress management?

This fun, specialist exercise class for teenagers combines Pilates matwork, barrework and cardio. It will help teach them mind-body awareness and can help a number of problems that teenagers may be struggling with such as, weight management, flexibility, coordination, balance, spinal health, personal body image, concentration, self-esteem, joint mobility and growing pains. A weekly class may also help to manage stress particularly around revision/exam time. Regular class will also teach the ‘sporty type’ discipline, control and precision, helping to increase accuracy, strengthen performance and decrease injury risk.

The classes will include a variety of exercises on the mat, standing, at the barre and will incorporate the use of ‘props’ such as flexy bands, toning balls, fitness circles and blocks to challenge and/or assist the body.

Classes are limited to no more than 10 people so that the teacher can ensure everyone is working safely and correctly. Please see our timetable for day/time of class and please give us a call to discuss your/your child’s needs and suitability of the class.

Pregnancy

This class is open only to pregnant women in their second or third trimester (from 12 weeks onwards).

During pregnancy a woman’s centre of gravity shifts due to natural weight gain, change to the shape of her pelvis and increase in breast size; all of these changes can affect her posture resulting in increased tension in the muscles and joints.

The release of the pregnancy hormone relaxin also contributes to significant changes in the body, affecting the elasticity of the joints and ligaments. This elasticity makes the pelvis vulnerable, and therefore it is important to strengthen and stabilise this area with correct and safe exercise. Exercising the pelvic floor muscle is also very important during pregnancy, in order to counteract incontinence and help the birthing process. Light equipment is used in this class including the large bouncy stability ball. Generally, taking regular Pilates is a great way to feel good and to relieve any aches and pains, particularly in the lower back area, during this very special time of a woman’s life.

Classes are limited to no more than 8 people so that the teacher can ensure everyone is working safely and correctly. Previous Pilates experience is not needed. To book this class please log in to our online booking and payment system.

Post-Natal (Private lesson/s only)

Private lessons may be needed by women who are having some post-natal difficulties such as a weak pelvic floor/incontinence, Diastasis Recti (separation of the abdominal muscles) or Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction. These problems need specialist exercises to help carefully re-engage important muscles such as the deep abdominals, lower back and pelvic floor. These exercise techniques need to be taught and understood well to give your body the best chance of recovery and success when moving onto further more strenuous exercise. These friendly one-to-one sessions are also designed to generally help women reconnect their mind and body after childbirth. It is advised that you wait until after your 6 week check before starting any kind of exercise. You will need the ‘all clear’ from your doctor or physiotherapist if you are experiencing any post-natal problems or if delivery was by C-section. Your baby is more than welcome to come with you to these private sessions.

However women experiencing the usual post-natal problems, such as a slightly weak pelvic floor and weak abdominals, may benefit from just one private lesson before being ready to join one of our regular Beginner Matwork Courses. The fundamentals of Pilates exercise is all about learning to engage your core with the use of good breathing techniques and pelvic floor engagement which is all thoroughly taught in our Beginner Matwork Course. Completing this 4 week course will give your body the best chance of returning back to its original shape. Once this course is completed and you are feeling confident that your mind and body understands the necessary exercise techniques you will be able to progress onto more challenging work which will help you tone up those keys areas such as the abdominal muscles, bottom, arms and legs. In addition to toning up, Pilates is also a great way to feel good and eliminate any possible post-baby blues.

For further information or to discuss your specific problem or needs please contact Nikki who will be more than happy to help and advise.

Forever Young

This small machine-work, or Reformer (see above), class suits the ‘more mature’ person who is reasonably fit and well, has perhaps already done some Matwork Pilates, and is now looking for a fuller workout but at a slow and controlled pace.

This class is designed to keep your joints healthy while fighting off or delaying the onset of conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritus, general joint/back stiffness and pain. You will be carefully taught a variety of exercises, performed on the machine, lying down on your front or back, sitting or standing, and every exercise can be modified to suit the individual.

The benefits of regular Pilates include improved posture, spinal health, strength, flexibility, coordination, lung capacity and balance. If you have a chronic condition, a health problem or have recently undergone surgery you must have been given the ‘all clear’ by your doctor before starting Pilates. Classes are limited to no more than 5 people (on 5 machines) so that the teacher can ensure everyone is working safely and correctly.

If you have never taken a Reformer Pilates class before you must first have a private introductory lesson before joining a group class. To request an appointment for your Private Intro Lesson please log in to our online booking and payment system or give us a call. If you are a new client and have practised Reformer Pilates at another studio please give us a call so we can be sure you meet the prerequisite required to join our Forever Young group class. For class day/time please see our timetable.

Back to Health

This specialist class is for anyone recovering from an operation, illness, injury or those with physical limitations, temporary or permanent.

This small, group class focuses on correct breathing, core strengthening, stretching and giving people the confidence to move more freely without fear. It is often anxiety caused by the trauma of an accident, injury or chronic pain, that can hinder someone’s progress. With their doctors consent, each person in this class will work at a pace to suit them, utilising different pieces of equipment to assist them in their progress under the instructor’s guidance.

Classes are limited to no more than 8 people so that the teacher can ensure everyone is working safely and correctly. For class day/time please see our timetable.

A beginner course or at least one private lesson will first need to be taken. For an initial phone consultation please contact Nikki.